The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Judicial Service of Ghana, has inaugurated a District Court complex in Kotobabi, one of the  communities within the Municipality.  In her inaugural speech, the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,Her Honor,Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoe expressed her great pleasure to be with the Assembly in the Greater Accra Region to inaugurate a new District Court for its residents and surroundings suburbs. “A purpose built Court is a necessary addition to the infrastructure for peace and stability of any community “she stated.

She said that, in recent times, much attention has been brought to the improvement of the national stock of physical infrastructure in which justice is dispensed in this country. She continued that,  it is heartwarming to see the expression of concern and solidarity that has come from members of the general public, who have appreciated this effort to provide befitting facilities not only for the well-being of those who work in these buildings,but also for the very concept and delivery of justice itself.

The Chief Justice emphasized that the challenge for the infrastructure is especially acute at the district level and we all know that lack of access to justice can lead directly to loss of confidence in the tools of justice.”Because of this, we must address any challenges of access to justice if we are to provide the necessary guarantees of peace ,security  and investor confidence that country needs, this is the only path to growth of the economy” she said .

Justice Gertrude Sackey revealed that the law makes three promises which are Order, Justice and Peace and these three bring prosperity.

She continued that there is no doubt that easy access to justice is a basic human right and means of upholding all other constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms, settlement of dispute and holding people accountable for their actions and inactions.  She therefore expressed her gratitude concerning the fact that the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly has fulfilled section 12(3) (b) of the Local Governance Act, 2016(Act936) which mandates us to ensure ready access to Courts in the Municipality for the promotion of justice.

‘‘Bringing justice to the doorstep of the people and also providing equal  access to justice regardless of one’s social standing is a sure way of procuring social peace and security”.

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly has celebrated the 39^th National Farmers’ Day at the Quaye Mensah Memorial AstroTurf Park, Alajo in Accra.

Speaking at the programme, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ayawaso Central, Hon.Archibold Mac Amuasie cobbina, welcome all to the gathering and congratulated all farmers and actors along the Agricultural value chain for a wonderful work done throughout the year and for their selflessness, dedication and commitment in feeding the Municipality and the Country as a whole.

The MCE noted that the Farmers’ Day Celebration is significant to the people of Ayawaso Central municipal in many aspects which among others, it is the fourth to be observed in the Municipality and also the first under his stewardship as the Municipal Chief Executive.

He explained that farmers’ Day is a day set aside to be observed in the first Friday of every December to recognize our hardworking Farmers including all other Agricultural related workers and professionals in the Country for their immense contribution towards the feeding of our beloved Nation as well as ensuring socio-economic growth of our economy.  Hon.Archibold said, although agriculture is the backbone of the economy, about 80 percent of the total farmers are small scale farmers but with the potential to transform into commercially viable farmers if supported appropriately. “It is for this reason that the government is determined to support small scale agriculture through Agribusiness Development. The government of Ghana under the leadership of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has put in diverse measures through the introduction of ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ policy to promote the agribusiness sector encompassing farming related commercial activities which seek to create food security and also to produce raw materials to feed our industries while creating jobs in the process’, he emphasized.

He continued that it is therefore not a coincidence that the theme for this year’s 39^th National Farmers ‘Day Celebration is focusing on Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience. “It was deliberately couched to reflect the vision of His Excellency the President and to further his Planting for food and jobs agenda, he explained.

The MCE revealed that, Smart solutions for Sustainable Food Security as this year’s theme suggests, aims to combat the current and future challenges of food production and consumption which is brought about factors such as climate change, conflicts, malnutrition, biodiversity losses, water scarcity, natural disasters, food spikes among others.

He said Ayawaso Central may not be typical farming community, however through the Department of Agriculture and his office are ever ready to technically assist the youth and business minded persons who intend to venture into agriculture and related activities in the Municipality in order to succeed in earning decent livelihoods. The Municipal Chief Executive therefore encouraged people who have little space available on their compounds to effectively utilize it by undertaking Non-traditional agriculture such as vertical and container gardening, mushrooms, grasscutter, rabbit, snail and fish farming among others. “I assure you that my office is ever ready to assist you ’’, he stated.

The Municipal Agricultural Director of Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly, Miss Martina Mensah in her address commended farmers and all those involved in agricultural value chain for their persistent heroism and meritorious effort in making sure that food is always available on our tables. She said, Food Security is a complex socio-political concept which is more than just producing and supplying food. She continued that is a relationship between humans and nature that incorporates values and perceptions of food in the security of society (full brook 2010).

The Agric Director continued that, Food Security exist when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life (World Food summit 1996). She stated that more than 800 million people go hungry every year, yet almost one third of food grown and produced is lost or wasted. “Meanwhile, conflict, Weather extremes and economics shocks are causing production and supply chain issue that leave food systems vulnerable and so by transforming how is food is grown, produced and consumed, we can create secure ,sustainable and resilient food systems” She explained.

Miss Mensah said that it is extremely gratifying that we as Ghanaians have deemed it worthy to honor our men and women who through discipline and hard work, have excelled in their various fields of endeavour. “We want you farmers and all these involved in the Agricultural value chain here in gathered to know that we appreciate your  endeavours, perseverance and  determination to succeed’’ she stated.

The Agric Director used the opportunity to thank all who have contributed in diverse ways to the success

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Day Planning Committee, she thanked all donors most sincerely and wished them great success in their business so that they could again demonstrate their support to the Municipality’s future programmes when they are called to do so.

She also expressed her gratitude to the Assembly for its staunch and unyielding support. “To the members of the Farmers’ Day Planning committee, I say Kudos for your hard work and commitment,’’ and to the Award winners, I say more grease to your elbows, keep your focus on higher laurels beyond the Municipality and never relent in your effort’’, she commended.

The Agric Director encouraged the Non-Award winners not to give up, but put the past behind them and press forward

Touching on the award winners, those who received award on the Municipal Best Organized Group were the Alajo marketers who trade in Alajo market and are dealers in all kinds of food items. They received 20 pieces of plastic chairs, wheel barrow, shovel and Disinfectants.                                                                                                  The best Agricultural Extension Agent was Linda Osei –Nti, a 29- year old single lady with one (1) child whose Educational background is Tertiary with 6 years working experience. She received a laptop, wire mash, cutlass, pesticides and weedicides. The Best Crop  Farmer was Sani Mohammed ,aged 35 and  married with four(4) children .He has 2 casual workers with established  business of 15 years .He deals in Exotic vegetables which are  carrots, lettuce, bell peppers, cucumber ,beetroot , Kale and broccoli including local vegetables  which are alefu , borkoborko ,  dandelion ,mint and basal leaves. He also have  fifteen  cattle’s .The Awards he received were  water storage Tank , pumping machine ,wheel barrow ,knapsack ,sprayer, Wellington Boots, spade and shovel, cutlass, Agro chemicals , personal protective clothing, wire mesh ,  weedicides, insecticides and Disinfectants. The best livestock Farmer was Israel Kojo Awuja, a 34 year old single man located in Alajo North .He owns 270 cockerels, 500 broilers, and 19 Turkeys.   Awards Received were water storage Tank, wheel barrow, knapsack sprayer, wellington Boots, spade and shovel, cutlass, wire Mesh, Disinfectants, wheat bran and  Grower Mash. The institution who emerged as the best in agriculture is Kokomlemle 2 Basic school located at Panama.  The school is only 2 years old with container Gardening of Tomatoes, coconut, cucumber, mango, Avocado pear, cocoyam and sweet pepper.  The awards  they received were water storage Tank , wheel  barrow , Knapsack sprayer , wellington Boot ,spade and shovel ,cutlass ,wire mesh , Agro chemicals , seeds, Disinfectants and weedicides. The Best woman poultry Farmer was Mrs. Gladys Nketiah Frimpong, a 64 year old located at Pig farm with two (2) laborers. Her Business is 3 years old with 500 broilers, 1200 layers, 15 Turkeys and 1 coconut tree. She received awards of water storage Tank, Deep freezer, wheel barrow , knapsack sprayer, wellington Boot ,spade and  shovel ,cutlass , mire mesh ,Agro chemicals , layer mash , wheat bran , personal protective Equipment (PPE) and 6 yards cloth.

The Overall best farmer in Ayawaso municipality for the year 2023 on the occasion of 39^th Farmers’ Day Celebration was no other person than Mr. Emmanuel Quao Aikins, a 45 year old married man with 3 children. He established his Business 5 years ago with 2 temporal workers. He has a home gardening with Lettuce, green pepper, cucumber, radish and spices. He also owns 145 rabbits, 650 layers, 100 Brahma, plantain, coconut and carrots.  He received awards of chest Freezer ,wheel barrow ,knapsack sprayer , wellington Boots ,spade and shovel ,cutlass ,Agro chemicals , Disinfectants ,Feed (grower/layer mash) Personal protective clothing ,wire mesh , wheat bran , insecticide , weedicide and  poly tank .

Report by

                                                                      Ivy N.A.A. Quansah

                                                                                        (Mun. information Officer)

The Gender Desk of Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly on the 23rd November this year organized a sensitization workshop with learners of Accra New Town School. The exercise was on what gender-based violence was, their types and reporting their channels.
A total of 158 pupils were present, 69 being males and 89 being females. This exercise took place in one of their halls.

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of malignant cells in the breast. The abnormal cells spread through the rest of the body through the lymphatic system. Breast cancer is the leading cancer amongst women and the second cause of cancer related deaths amongst women.

1 out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life time.

STATISTICS

In the year 2020, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally with a total of 685,000 deaths.

In Ghana, there were 4,482 diagnoses in the year 2020 with 2,055 deaths.

RISK FACTORS LEADING TO BREAST CANCER

• Being a woman
• Age
• Family history of breast cancer
• Previous history of breast cancer
• Obesity
• Alcohol intake
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
• A change in the skin such as puckering, thickening or dimpling
• Change in the colour of the breast
• Abnormal discharge from the nipple
• Changes in the size and shape of the breast

PREVENTION OF BREAST CANCER

• Limit alcohol intake
• Quit smoking
• Maintain healthy weight
• Breastfeed
• Exercise and physical activities
• Monthly self-breast examination

 BREAST CANCER IS PREVENTABLE, EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!!!

As part of the activities to achieve the project objectives, The GARID community sensitisation team made up of NADMO officer, Gender desk officer, officer from SW/CD, MEHO on the 4th October 2023 engaged community members around flood prone areas within the Ayawaso Central Municipality.
The purpose was to educate residents around these areas on the need to keep their surroundings clean and desist from damping of refuse in drains.
Caution was also given to residents on moving to safe haven in the event of flooding.

More than 800 million people are going hungry yet almost one third of food grown and what we produce is lost or wasted. Meanwhile conflict, weather extremes and economic shocks are causing production and supply chain issues that leave food systems vulnerable by transforming how food is grown, produced and consumed, we can create secure, sustainable and resilient food systems. It is in this light that the Department of Agriculture is promoting home garden for our Schools and households to grow what they eat and eat what they grow.

AGENDA
1. To encourage individuals to grow their own crops to consume
2. To encourage individuals generate alternative source of income
3. To promote organic foods consumption
4. To encourage eating healthy, quality and wholesome vegetables consumption.
5. To sensitize students on agriculture and benefits
BENEFICIARIES
NAME LOCATION TOTAL NUMBER OF SEEDLINGS TOTAL
Emmanuel Aikins Alajo North 15 15
Madam Julliet Ebony 20 20
Kotobabi Cluster of Schools Kotobabi 50 50
Elizabeth Nketiah Abavana Down 25 25
Hon Alex Twumasi Kpehe 20 20
Bethel Yaw Asare Kokomlemle 35 35
David Tetteh Alajo 20 20
Selassie Yaotse Carlos Plant pool 15 15
Jacob Faati Abavana 25 25
TOTAL 225

CHALLENGES
1. Inadequate funds to construct a nursery shed to raise more seedlings.
2. Inadequate funds to purchase black soils for container gardening
3. Inadequate funds to purchase pesticides and compost for beneficiaries.
4. Inadequate containers to supply to individuals who are interested in the home gardening.
5. Inadequate space for expansion.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Provision of funds to construct a nursery shed to raise seedlings
2. Provision of funds to purchase black soils for container gardeners
3. Provision of enough funds to purchase pesticides and fertilizers
4. Provision of enough containers to supply to individuals

The Community Development Department at the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly in collaboration with Ghana Fire Service and the Office of the Assembly member for Kokomlemle West engaged students at De Youngsters on the roles of boys and girls and Fire Safety Management.

The exercise was to make students understand that most household chores were not gender based and also guide them with what each gender does at home and school
The students identified which chore is on a placard and the gender that does it. Some of the chores mentioned were sweeping, weeding, washing, cooking, etcetera.
The students were then taught that irrespective of their gender, they could do any chore given to them by their parents.

The GNFS on the other hand spoke on Fire Safety Management. Fire was explained as a chemical combination of three (3) elements which are heat, fuel and oxygen. Fuel was then explained as anything that can burn.
The officers mentioned that when there’s a fire outbreak, one element has to be eliminated before it can be quenched.
They further taught students on the different classes of fire which were
• Class A- Solid
• Class B- Liquid
• Class C- Gaseous
• Class E- Electrical

Again there were lessons on the procedure to help detect leakage on a tube by using soapy water.
The exercise ended with a fire demonstration.
There were 189 students and 10 teachers present.

The Ayawaso central municipal Assembly on the 18th of August, 2023 donated some items to the Ga chiefs in the municipality ahead of the Homowo festival celebrations.

This initiative is to extend the Assembly’s support to the Ga community of the Municipality as they celebrate their victory on abundant harvest which has eradicated hunger.

Statistics from the Ministry of Trade and Industry estimated that, the country spent $9.3 million and $65,000 on annual importation of onions and chilli pepper respectively between the years 2013 and 2015. 

It is also on record that, Ghana produces about 400 thousand metric tonnes of tomato annually, that notwithstanding, Ghana imports about 75 thousand metric tonnes of fresh tomatoes annually from Burkina Faso, and a furthermore large quantities of tomato puree to complement the fresh ones; making it the most widely consumed vegetable in the country.

Reasons for this huge deficit include poor irrigation system and pest infestation among others.

Greenhouse Technology for vegetable production has however been proposed as the panacea to these challenges. To that effect, the Department of Agriculture of the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly organized a field trip for crop farmers in the Municipality to the Greenhouse Village at Dawhenya on the 27^th July, 2023 to learn about this technology.